Anza-Borrego North: Palo Verde Canyon

Moly Mine across Palo Verde Canyon from the Wonderstone Trail

Palo Verde Canyon north of County Road S-22, and Palo Verde Wash on either side of S-22, are easily identified in spring when the Palo Verde trees are in bloom. At other less scenic times, the way is rocky, and there are twists and turns that may take you where you didn't want to go. Don't forget to carry plenty of water.

North of S-22, Palo Verde Wash, and in the hard, rocky soil for one or two miles to the west, is a good area to look for Echinocactus polycephalus, the many-headed cactus commonly known as Mohave Mound or Cotton-Top. Day hikers enter Palo Verde Canyon looking for the Molly Mine (pictured above) and the Natural Rock Tanks. Schad suggests climbing over the mountains to Wonderstone Wash.